Bismarck : North dakota

What it's Like to Retire in Bismarck

Bismarck is the capital city of North Dakota and the state's second largest city. The population is over 68,000 and the Metro area well over 100,000. The city is located in south-central North Dakota on the Missouri River. The capitol campus is one of the city's largest attractions and also the principle employer. The 19-story Art Deco capitol is the tallest building in the city, at a height of 241.75 feet - it can be seen from 20 miles away. There are several public and private colleges in town, the largest of which is the University of Mary.

Outdoor recreation is a big draw for people who retire to Bismarck. Summers are beautiful and dry and winters are cold and long. Photos courtesy of Wkipedia: former Northern Paciific Railroad Depot and State Capitol by Bobak Ha'Eri, scene from Abraham Lincoln State Park by Gooseterrain2.

Where to Retire in Bismarck and Home Prices

Median sales price of a home in Bismarck in late 2015 was steady at about $245,000 (NAR). There are active adult and retirement communities to choose from in and around Bismarck. The Cathedral District is a historic neighborhood near downtown Bismarck. Some homes in this neighborhood date back to the 1880s.

What is special about Bismarck

Several outstanding Art Deco buildings in the capitol, as well as a cathedral. Bismarck has a large park system and an extensive network of exercise trails. The city is in the top 100 of Livability.com's "Most Livable Cities". Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is a very popular attraction.

What is not special about Bismarck

Cold winters and a boom town economy from oil drilling in this state.

Who will like retirement in Bismarck

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Local economy is driven by

As the State Capitol much of the economy revolves around government as well as health care. Oil and energy had been an important driver in other parts of the state, but the glut of oil has hurt that part. State and local taxes are lower than the national average. Unemployment is extremely low at under 2%.

Climate and Physical Environment

Bismarck is on the Missouri River in south central North Dakota. The average July temp is 70 and the average Jan temp is 10, so summers are mild and winters are cold.

Restaurants & Cultural Scene

Belle Mehus Auditorium in downtown Bismarck is a center for the arts in the metropolitan area and where the Bismarck-Mandan Symphony Orchestra holds their performances. There are also art galleries. The University of Mary and other colleges offer cultural opportunities

Crime

Crime rates are well below the national average.

Medical facilities

The city has two hospitals: St. Alexius Medical Center (285-bed) and Sanford Health (238-bed).

Transportation

I 94 runs through the city. Bismarck Municipal Airport is south of the city and is the second busiest in the state. There is public bus service.

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